It’s the kind of stunt that sounds like something out of Jackass—but for wildlife enthusiast and YouTuber Jack Schonhoff, it was a serious experiment. On his channel, Jack doesn’t just talk about dangerous animals; he lets some of them bite or sting him to show what the experience is really like. One of his boldest tests involved deliberately letting a black widow spider sink its fangs into him, all in the name of busting myths about one of the world’s most feared arachnids.
The Bite That Terrified Viewers
For decades, black widow spiders have carried a deadly reputation, with many people believing their bite is instantly fatal. In reality, that’s not true—but as Jack quickly discovered, it’s still an ordeal no one should ever volunteer for.
Within hours of the bite, he began experiencing severe symptoms, the worst being crippling lower back pain. At one point, Jack described the agony as “the most painful it’s been in my entire life.” The pain lasted nearly two weeks before he finally felt back to normal.
What He Wanted People to Learn
Despite the suffering, Jack’s mission was to educate. He explained that while black widow venom is indeed potent, deaths are extremely rare, especially with modern medical care.
“Essentially, the bite is terrible, it hurts, but it’s not going to kill you,” Jack said. He emphasized that allergic reactions can make the experience more dangerous for some, but for most people, the bite is more painful than life-threatening.
Are Black Widows Really Aggressive?
One of the biggest myths Jack wanted to debunk is that black widows actively seek out humans. In fact, these spiders are notoriously shy and reluctant to bite.
“The only way you’re realistically going to be bitten by a black widow is if you pin it to your skin,” Jack explained. He advised checking shoes or clothes left outside and inspecting items in garages or sheds, since these are common hiding spots.
“These spiders are not aggressive,” he stressed. “They don’t want to bite you.”
Public Reactions: Fear vs. Respect
While Jack hoped to calm fears, reactions to his video were mixed. Some viewers admitted the experiment only made them more terrified:
- “You’ve confirmed my fear of black widows. Thanks.”
- “You still proved to me to avoid the hell out of them.”
Others, however, praised his bravery and commitment to science, calling his channel “criminally underrated.”
The Final Word
Jack Schonhoff survived his black widow bite and came away with valuable lessons—not just about the spider, but about how fear often overshadows fact. His message is clear: black widows are not monsters hunting humans, but reclusive creatures that would rather be left alone.
Still, as Jack’s two weeks of pain prove, letting one bite you is a myth-busting experiment best left to YouTubers—and not something anyone should try at home.
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